With delivery around the corner...I'm starting to get scared

of all sorts of things....the pain, the epidural not working, of all the bleeding afterwards, of my dogs being ok (really dumb I know, but I worry about them), and now with possibly scheduling an induction.

How long does one deliver after they induce? We might schedule it for DH day off next week.

My best friend said there is SO much blood, like you're hemorraging and I'm so paranoid about this.


Any and all words of comfort and advice are welcome.

Re: With delivery around the corner...I'm starting to get scared

Shana,
Focus on the beautul baby girl you are bringing into this world. Everything will be OK because you and your baby girl are in great hands.
Whenever I start to freak about my delivery I pray, focus on my meeting my baby for the first time and that helps me. I'm praying for a strong epidural and a fast delivery for you.
Hang in there.

Re: With delivery around the corner...I'm starting to get scared

Now I didnt deliver vaginally...but I did have post partum bleeding, and it was gross....but not bad at all!

Just remember....as soon as it begins...the closer to it be over you'll be..and then Allyson will be here

Some people have WONDERFUL experience with being induced! Talk to your Dr. maybe he'll piggyback your pitocin with the epi...???

Re: With delivery around the corner...I'm starting to get scared

I think I was the opposite of you...I was in total denial!!

Anyhow, you know how moms always say you forget the pain the minute you meet your child? I told my mom in the hospital, "I will NEVER forget the pain!" But guess what, I did...the moms are right!!

The epidural will work and if it wears off they will give you more, I promise!! As for the bleeding, yep, unfortunately your friend was right, but it's only really heavy like that for a couple of days and it's not painful, just icky.

My sister was induced and it took about 8 hours; she pushed like twice and my niece was born!

Just think about all of the women past and present that have gone through labor,delivery and motherhood; you can do it too!!! That thought has gotten me through a lot during the past year.

Best of luck and you're going to be a great mom very soon!!!

Re: With delivery around the corner...I'm starting to get scared

Message edited 12/28/2005 10:52:54 PM.

Re: With delivery around the corner...I'm starting to get scared

OK tip #1, think long and hard before agreeing to an induction and do your research. For some people it goes really well but for a lot of people it ends in a c section. JMO.
It really is such a wonderful feeling to have your body do its thing on its own and experience that ( but this is just my opinion and based on my natural birth experience). You do what's best for you.

Chances are the epidural will work but guess what if it didn't you will totally survive ( I did ). Really you don't hear that many stories about the epidural not working and usually if its not just right they will fix it.

Really don't be scared. I can guarantee you it is the most wonderful experience you will ever have....pain and all. And just remember any pain that you feel is pain with a purpose, meeting your daughter.

It really is important to relax and try to let all of your fears go because it will only intensify anything that you will feel.


ETA: OK I have no idea why your friend would say that about the blood at a time like this but seriously you never really see any of it and the PP bleeding is heavy but its totally tolerable, at least for me it was.

Message edited 12/28/2005 11:32:09 PM.

Re: With delivery around the corner...I'm starting to get scared

Shana, it's very normal to be scared. I was petrified around this time also.... I was so scared about the pain of labor, potential of c-section, and all the stuff afterwards. But when I realized I was in labor all the fear went away for some reason... it was really weird.

I'll be honest there were parts of my labor that were a little scary and really painful. DH was such a great support in keeping me focused and relaxed. I know you have a doula and she'll also be there to support and coach you. Just trust your body bc it knows what to do.

Also, there's no predicting how long your labor will be even when you are induced. I was scheduled for an induction, but went into labor the day before. I labored at home from 6am to 2pm and then went to the hospital. I was 4cm when I got there, but I stalled at 6cm. So they gave me pitocin to help me along and that didn't help much. I had a pretty long labor 20hrs.

I know everyone says it, but it was all worth it once you hold your baby.

Re: With delivery around the corner...I'm starting to get scared

I was enduced and my first epidural didn't work. Well it numbed my hip and ankle!!! Then they gave me another one and that did the trick. Honestly I was scared to death but in the end it wasn't that bad. I am the biggest wimp too!!! And my baby was 9lbs 6.5 ounces, 22 inches long!!!

Also the post pardum bleeding wasn't that bad either, doesn't compare to hemoraging???

Try to relax and rest. She will be here before you know it and everything will be wonderful.

Re: With delivery around the corner...I'm starting to get scared

I wish I had advice for you, but I havent been though this yet..
Just think about the end result..Your going to be a mommy and have a beautiful baby!

Re: With delivery around the corner...I'm starting to get scared

You'll be fine, just keep focused, try to remian quiey and in control and remember that you don't have to be superwoman, ask for pain meds, they were made for a reason!!

Re: With delivery around the corner...I'm starting to get scared

Ok first with the blood thing. The majority of the blood you see is the lining - think of it this way - all blood/tissue of the periods you didn't get for the past 10 months are in utero to protect your baby. When the baby comes out, yes there is blood but that's because your body no longer needs the lining.

With the very slightest possibility that the epidural doesn't work, you will go through childbirth au natural. I realize it's not the way you want to & we would all like a pain free birth, but you'll get through it. Just breath slowly out when it hurts. Millions upon millions of women have gone through childbirth without pain medication - and went on to have more children.

Inductions can take longer than a day depending on how quickly your body reacts to medication. Although this isn't that common, I've had 2 friends that had essentially a 3 day induction. The doctor/midwife tried the more natural methods like the gel before moving on to the pitocin.

And last, you've been having cramping for days now. Each time you have cramping at 36-40 weeks, it's one less cramp you go through during the actual labor. Your body seems to have completely prepped for itself for labor. You (and your dogs ) will get through this and in the end its all about the results that little baby in your arms.

Re: With delivery around the corner...I'm starting to get scared

Shana - Just remember this will be one of the big accomplishments of your life - to deliver this baby girl!

Remember that all these women and more to come have delivered healthy babies - large and small - vaginally and via c-section - epidural or not - and survived it all - you will be fine and will be home with your little girl before you know it - The closer I get to my due date the more nervous im becoming - but i know i can't stay pregnant forever.

Wishing you a quick delivery and easy recovery! Can't wait to hear about your little baby girl

Re: With delivery around the corner...I'm starting to get scared

First
Second, I was induced. I was 14 hours from start to finish which isnt so bad for first time labor. You have to stay focused. I went in thinking that in 2 days i was going to be home with a baby- not all the stuff that was going to happen in between. You are goign to do what you feel you have to do to get the baby out. You might feel like you can go drug free, or you might want all the drugs. You will be with Dr.'s and nurses that do this all day and all night long, they will be there to help and support you, and they wont suggest anything that will harm you or the baby.
My best advice is take it one decision at a time. Focus on what is happening at that particular moment b/c before you know it, it will be gone. Try to rest and relax for now, you are goign to need your beauty sleep
Good Luck and im sure whatever decision you make will be the right one for you- everyone has different opinions, beliefs, and bodies-so just listen to yours. soon you will be with your

Re: With delivery around the corner...I'm starting to get scared

Message edited 12/29/2005 10:47:56 AM.